'Celebrating 20 Years of Artistic Excellence and Commitment to the Community'

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts kicks-off 2012 with another line-up of top-drawer talent & powerhouse performances:

JANUARY 2012:

January 1 – 8 p.m. (Sunday)

NEW YEAR'S CONCERT 2012!

"Salute to Vienna"

The Strauss Symphony of America

Imre Kollár, Conductor (Budapest)

Monica Mosser, Soprano (Vienna)

Joachim Moser, Tenor (Vienna)

Dancers from Kiev-Aniko Ballet of Ukraine

And International Champion Ballroom Dancers

Welcome the New Year with Salute to Vienna, a genuine recreation of Vienna's world famous "Neuhahrskonzert," now a Kravis Center tradition. This simultaneously produced concert series has inspired diehard romantics all over North America for the past 17 years. Always a festive event, featuring a brilliant live cast of over 75 musicians, stellar European singers and dancers in beautiful costumes. A wonderful way to celebrate the joy and hope the New Year brings. Favorite Strauss waltzes, polkas and famous operetta excerpts - a lighthearted New Year's tradition everyone can enjoy.

Universally hailed as "King of the Blues," time has no apparent effect on the single most important electric guitarist of the last half-century, other than to make him more popular, more cherished and more relevant than ever.

Linda Eder, star of Jekyll & Hyde, Drama Desk award nominee and one of the great contemporary voices of our time, continues to captivate audiences across the country with a diverse repertoire that spans Broadway, standards, pop, country and jazz. With a style and voice that recalls paragons such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, Grammy® Award-winner Steve Tyrell has become a leading standard bearer of the Great American Songbook.

If you're a fan of Broadway show tunes, rejoice. Neil Berg's all-star, all new tune-filled tribute to the Great White Way is returning to the Kravis Center performing a plethora of musical treasures – from Jerome Kern to Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cole Porter to John Kander and Fred Ebb as well as the most recent Broadway hits – brought to life by a powerhouse cast of Five Broadway stage veterans. Come share the magic. Come share the memories with the most successful touring Broadway concert in America.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets $30

January 4 – 8 p.m. (Wednesday)

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Pinchas Zukerman, Conductor and Violin

Regional Arts Concert Series / MUSIC "At Eight"

Exceptional artistic standards continue to earn Pinchas Zukerman the highest acclaim as violin soloist and conductor with Britain's Royal Philharmonic. Zukerman leads one of the greatest personality profiles in music, an enduring tribute to love and friendship: Elgar's "Enigma" Variations.

Beyond the Stage:Join them for a free pre-concert discussion by Sharon McDaniel at 6:45 pm.

January 4-April 7

+ Wednesday, January 4

Writers' Circle A – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Writers' Circle B – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

+ Monday, January 16 & 30, February 13 & 27, March 12 & 26

Writers' Circle A – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Writers' Circle B – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

+ Saturday, March 3 & April 7 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WRITERS' CIRCLE

Instructor: Julie Gilbert

The Writers' Academy At The Kravis Center

Writers' Circle has been created as a haven for serious writers of all ages. It is a safe environment in which to explore expression, expand and hone craft, share results with oral readings and respectfully critique fellow writers. The requisite to work within this group is to be a dedicated writer. There will be a 2-hour workshop twice a month (writer will attend either 10:30 am or 1:30 pm workshop), accompanied by a Saturday retreat. Once a piece of work has been sufficiently developed, it may result in a public reading by professional actors at the Kravis Center and/or on Classical South Florida, 90.7 FM.

Cohen Pavilion

Registration $700 (extended payment plan is available)

January 5 – 2 p.m. (Thursday)

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Pinchas Zukerman, Conductor and Violin

Regional Arts Concert Series / MUSIC "At Two")

Exceptional artistic standards continue to earn Pinchas Zukerman the highest acclaim as violin soloist and conductor with Britain's Royal Philharmonic. Zukerman leads one of the greatest personality profiles in music, an enduring tribute to love and friendship: Elgar's "Enigma" Variations.

+ Beethoven / Egmont Overture, Op. 84

+ Beethoven / Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61

+ Elgar / Variations on an Original Theme for Orchestra, Op. 36 ("Enigma")

(Regional Arts Concert Series sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis)

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

Beyond the Stage:Join us for a free pre-concert discussion by Sharon McDaniel at 12:45 pm.

January 5 – 8 p.m. (Thursday)

DENNIS MILLER

Five-time Emmy® Award-winner and nationally syndicated radio talk show host, Dennis Miller brings his blazingly sharp comedic take on hot-button issues in his trademark take-no-prisoners and suffer-no-fools style to the Kravis Center stage for one performance only. Irreverent and lovably irascible (Playboy dubbed him "a social Darwinist with a funny bone"), this self-proclaimed "ranter" remains one of America's greatest cultural treasures. Contains adult content.

(Sponsored by Mark and Stacey Levy)

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

January 5-February 23 – 1:30 to 3 p.m. (Thursdays)

WRITERS' LAUNCH

Instructor: Julie Gilbert

The Writers' Academy At The Kravis Center

Writers' Launch is just that – a pad from which to raise written expression. Within every human being there are unspoken thoughts and memories: there is buried treasure. This course is designed to alchemize the unexpressed bounty into a discipline of form, content, technique and style, which will result in a story. The focus and goal is toward the fictional short story. Writers' Launch will be held on January 5, 12, 19 & 26 and February 2, 9, 16 & 23.

Cohen Pavilion

Registration $300

January 6, February 3 & March 9 – 1 p.m.

KRAVIS UNDER COVER

Marriage: One Size Does Not Fit All

(ArtSmart / Lecture)

The Kravis Center is introducing a new literary lecture series hosted by Board Member Lee Wolf, a dynamic speaker and lecturer who founded the Theatre Club of Florida Stage in Manalapan and now chairs the popular ArtSmartContinuing Arts Education Lunch & Learn lecture series. Ms. Wolf will analyze the artistic riches of four literary works that provide compelling insights into the male-female psyche: Franklin and Eleanor: An Extraordinary Marriage by Hazel Rowley, The Paris Wife by Paula McLain, A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway and Brick Lane by Monica Ali. Through intuitive observations, participants will come away with answers to questions such as: What style of narrative has the author chosen? Are the characters and underlying themes well defined? How do the events and characterizations relate to you and your worldview?

Picower Foundation Arts Education Center in the Cohen Pavilion

Tickets are $25 per lecture, $60 for the series

January 6-7 (Friday & Saturday)

+ Friday – 7:30 p.m.

+ Saturday – 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.

THE NYLONS

With over two million in sales and seven gold and platinum recordings, this four member vocal group is a true international success story. Known for their great a cappella sound, dazzling harmonies and smooth arrangements, their classic renditions including "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Silhouettes" and "Up On The Roof" have taken them across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia to passionate audiences and critical acclaim. The Nylons are celebrating the release of their 15th CD, Skin Tight. For more information, visit www.TheNylons.com.

Helen K. Persson Hall

Tickets $35

January 8 – 8 p.m. (Sunday)

THE STATE BALLET THEATRE OF RUSSIA

Tchaikovsky Spectacular

With the Bolshoi Theatre Star-Soloists Elena Andrienko and Andrey Evdokimov

The State Ballet Theatre of Russia brings highlights from some of the world's most beloved ballets to glorious life in a swirl of sumptuous spectacle, majestic music and breathtaking choreography. Continuing in the Russian ballet tradition, this enchanting and visually stunning production features ballet's all-time favorites including Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, set to the sweeping, eternally graceful scores by Tchaikovsky.

Beyond the Stage:Join them for a free pre-performance discussion by Steven Caras at 6:45 pm.

January 9 – 7:30 p.m. (Monday)

A Florida Debut

HYE-JIN KIM, Violin

AMY YANG, Piano

(Young Artists Series)

At age 12, Hye-Jin Kim not only soloed in Mozart's ViolinConcerto No. 5 inA, she also led the performance by the Hannover Chamber Orchestra. At age 19, she won the 2004 Yehudi Menuhin International Competition, prompting The Strad to credit her with "… supremely musical playing, well thought out, yet of the moment." A 2009 Concert Artists Guild International Competition winner, Kim has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra with Christoph Eschenbach, the New Jersey Symphony, BBC Concert Orchestra, and Seoul Philharmonic. A passionate chamber musician, she has collaborated with her teachers Jaime Laredo, Ida Kavafian and Miriam Fried; Musicians from Marlboro, and the Guarneri, Juilliard and Miami String Quartets.

The Public Theatre's new Tony-winning production is an electric celebration on stage. This exuberant musical about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time has struck a resonant chord with audiences young and old. HAIR features unforgettable songs, including "Aquarius," "Let the Sun Shine In," "Good Morning, Starshine" and "Easy to Be Hard." The New York Times called this revival a "thrilling, emotionally rich production (that) delivers intense, unadulterated joy," and Time Out New York declared, "HAIR speaks to a whole new generation."

(DISCLAIMER: While many find this show suitable for young adults (13 and older) parental discretion is advised. There is a dimly lit 20-second scene with nudity that is non-sexual in nature.)

Beyond the Stage:Join them for a free pre-performance discussion by Jackie and Jason Gillman at 6:45 pm on January 10.

January 10 – February 19

+ Tuesday, Thursday & Friday at 7:30 p.m.

+ Wednesday & Saturday at 1:30 & 7:30 p.m. *

+ Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

+ Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (January 15 only)

DIVORCE PARTY THE MUSICAL

The Kravis Center is hosting the World Premiere of this delightful new musical from the producer of the off-Broadway hit Menopause The Musical. Still reeling from her divorce, Linda is rescued by her three friends who have come to turn her despair into a weekend of hilarity. Using popular songs with clever new lyrics, the ladies sing and dance their way through the wildest divorce party ever. It's the ultimate Girls' Night Out, coupled with a healthy dose of comic mayhem and a touch of "naughty." For adult audiences. This is a Kravis Center presentation in association with Flip-Her Productions.

* Please note that the 1:30 p.m. performance will not be given on Wednesday, January 11.

Rinker Playhouse

Tickets start at $25

January 13 – 7 p.m. (Friday)

SHOWCASE THE WRITING

Host: Julie Gilbert

The Writers' Academy At The Kravis Center

Showcase the Writing introduces talented new writers to the public. All genres of work are presented by professional actors who breathe life into the written work. Open to the public. Also held on Friday, March 9.

Cohen Pavilion

Tickets $10 per showcase

January 16 – 11:30 a.m. (Monday)

Lunch & Learn

THE DUCHESS OF WINDSOR

Lecturer: Richard René Silvin

Interviewed by: Steven Caras

(A Kravis Center Cultural Society Event)

This presentation will provide an overview of the Duke and Duchess' life: Their formative years, the story of the "scandalous" royal romance, the December, 1936 abdication, the couple's duties during World War II and their roles as King and Queen of international society during the post-war years. Given Silvin's position of Interim Executive Director at the Paris hospital where the Windsors were treated, he will reveal little known facts about the Duke's death and funeral (1972) as well as the Duchess' lonely years leading up to the onset of her dementia. The presentation will conclude with a discreet description of the Duchess' last years and her 1986 funeral at Frogmore: the British Royal Family's cemetery. The lecture will be accompanied by a video presentation.

The Weiner Banquet Center in the Cohen Pavilion

Tickets $75

(NOTE: Admission includes lunch prepared by Special Impressions at the Kravis Center, Catering by The Breakers)

January 19 – 7 p.m. (Thursday)

The Classical Theatre Project's

TWELFTH NIGHT

Full of music, wit and physical comedy, Classical Theatre Project reveals an inventive vaudevillian take on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Five actors assume eleven roles, delighting audiences with genuine theatre magic. Twelfth Night remains a relevant commentary on the illusions and delusions of love. Shakespeare uses mistaken identity, love triangles and a dash of cross-dressing to create one of literature's most beloved comedies.

Helen K. Persson Hall

Tickets $32 – General Admission

January 23 – 8 p.m. (Monday)

ELVIS LIVES

"The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event"

Elvis Lives is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis' life. His iconic style, embraced by many of today's artists, continues to intrigue audiences of all generations. Featuring finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises' worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, as well as a tribute to Ann-Margret, audiences can't help falling in love with this phenomenal theatrical concert experience.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

January 24 – 2 p.m. (Tuesday)

TCHAIKOVSKY ST. PETERSBURG STATE ORCHESTRA

Roman Leontiev, Conductor

Alexandre Pirozhenko, Piano

Regional Arts Concert Series / MUSIC "At Two"

The Tchaikovsky St. Petersburg regularly commissions and premieres new compositions, a testament to its high standard of performance. The ensemble and Music Director Leontiev are also at home in music of Russia's famous Romantic and 20th-Century composers as well as a repertoire of international favorites. Pianist Alexandre Pirozhenko, The Washington Post noted, "has the technical skills to do anything he wants with a piano; better yet, what he wants to do is sensitive, original, and brilliant."

Having hung up his nightly suspenders, Larry King is heading our way in a brand new, hilarious stage show that gives his fans a humorous and insightful look at his life. Growing up as a street-smart kid in Brooklyn, as well as tales from his storied career as the greatest interviewer of all time, Larry King's style and wit will give audiences an evening to remember.

(Sponsored by Donald M. Ephraim and Maxine Marks for the Donald M. Ephraim Family Foundation)

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

January 25 – 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. (Wednesday)

THE LENNON SISTERS

(Adults at Leisure Series)

Dubbed "America's Sweethearts of Song," The Lennon Sisters charmed the nation with their sweet, angelic harmonies for 13 years on the Lawrence Welk Show. Come hear the songs that propelled them to fame with millions of fans including seven U.S. presidents.

The Cleveland Orchestra appears on Regional Arts for the first time since beginning its Miami residency five years ago. With Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, the Cleveland presents a local premiere by the young Nevada-born composer Sean Shepherd. Powerhouse Russian-Israeli pianist Yefim Bronfman is recognized the world over for his depth of musicality, abundant imagination, and commanding technique.

+ Brahms / Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83

+ Sean Shepherd / Wanderlust

+ Shostakovich / Symphony No. 6in B minor, Op. 54

(Regional Arts Concert Series sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis)

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $35

Beyond the Stage:Join them for a free pre-concert discussion at 6:45 p.m. featuring an interview with Cleveland Orchestra General Manager Gary Gintsling. He will talk about both the music on the Kravis Center program and the Cleveland Orchestra in general. This will be followed by a free musical presentation by Palm Beach Academy of Music in the Dreyfoos Hall Lobby at 7:15 pm.

Joshua Bell has been called a rarity – a classical artist who attracts as much notice as some film stars. He was recently named Music Director of the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Certainly, he needs no introduction to Regional Arts audiences after his many recitals and concerto performances, often as both soloist and conductor. A Grammy® Award-winner many times over, Joshua Bell has captivated audiences around the globe for more than 20 years.

+ Mendelssohn / Violin Sonata in F Major (1838)

+ Brahms / Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108

+ Ravel / Sonata for Violin and Piano

+ Ysaÿe / Violin Sonata in D minor, Op. 27, No. 3 ("Ballade")

+ Gershwin / Three Preludes

+ Additional works to be announced from the stage

(Regional Arts Concert Series sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis)

(With Support from Sun-Sentinel)

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

Beyond the Stage:Join them for a free pre-concert discussion by Sharon McDaniel at 12:45 pm.

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About Author

Currently spending his time between New York and Florida, Beau was born to a theatrical family in Brooklyn. He studied drama at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute and at HB Studios. He studied theater singing with Julia Sperratore and Helen Gallagher. Beau later taught drama at the Lincoln Center Square for the Arts. It was at this time Beau began working with the Theater Development Fund and helped found New York's famed HALF PRICE TICKET BOOTH. Early in his career, Beau was screen tested and contracted for Warner Brothers. He co-hosted, an early cable variety series on Manhattan's Teleprompter channel. At this time he directed the Johnny Specca musical, SEX IS..? at the Lincoln Center Library Theater. Beau has performed Off-Broadway in FAT FELL DOWN, The Comic Strip Theater's LITTLE LULU AND THE INVISIBLE INK and WILL THE REAL ZOOPERMAN PLEASE STAND UP. Around the country he has delighted audiences with his performances in ANYTHING GOES, THE APPLE TREE, GUYS & DOLLS, and HELLZAPOPPIN! He sang for New York audiences at such cabarets as The Duplex and Upstairs at the Downstairs. He has had numerous television appearances but is most proud to have been a winning contestant on the game shows JACKPOT and THE $20,000 PYRAMID.